Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – Hays County Precinct 3 Commissioner Will Conley and Precinct 4 Commissioner Ray Whisenant are kicking off the next phase of the FM 150 Character Plan (from Arroyo Ranch Road to RM 12) with a public meeting on Tuesday, December 13. The Plan will include context- based concepts and identify near-, mid-, and long-term improvements that can be implemented incrementally over time.

Tuesday’s public meeting will include highlights of the Features and Themes Report and an overview of the current phase – Nature and Character Master Plan. There will also be an exercise to collect input on various roadway elements and aesthetic features to be considered as the concepts are further defined.

During the past two years the County has worked closely with the community to develop a Features and Themes Report. The next phase is to develop a Nature and Character Master Plan. This will be a more detailed plan of the corridor concepts. Ultimately, this plan will guide future planning and improvements on and near the FM 150 corridor.

“In the first phase we reached more than 450 people through three public meetings and more than 375 during 11 Citizens Advisory Panel meetings,” Precinct 3 Commissioner Will Conley said. “We gained valuable insight into what our communities felt would best benefit them. We’re eager for even more public participation in this next phase.”

“The community will have many opportunities to get involved during the development of the Nature and Character Master Plan,” Precinct 4 Commissioner Ray Whisenant said. “We have eight Citizens Advisory Panel meetings and three public meetings planned. Our project team will be out in the community and any group is welcome to request a presentation or meeting.”

FM 150 Character Plan Public Meeting:

Tuesday, December 13, 2016 from 6 to 8 p.m. with presentation at 6:15 p.m.

For those unable to attend the public meeting, materials will be posted to the project website. Comments and questions will be accepted after the meeting. For project information, please visit www.improvefm150.com.

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – The Hays County Commissioners Court proclaimed the week of December 4-10, 2016, as National Influenza Vaccination Week in Hays County and urged all persons eligible to have a flu vaccination to do so to protect themselves and their loved ones from getting the flu virus. In Central Texas, prime flu season is January through February.

According to the proclamation, an estimated 36,000 people die from influenza-related illnesses and more than 200,000 are hospitalized nationwide each year. In Hays County between 2013 and 2016, some 3,000 people have tested positive for influenza and an additional 23,000 were diagnosed with a flu-like illness.

“Most people have two to three days of fever and chills, then get back to their regular routine and don’t consider flu a serious threat,” Eric Schneider, Epidemiologist with the Hays County Local Health Department, told the Court. “However, most deaths from flu occur in children younger than two years old and in people over 65 – those who are too young to have a flu vaccination or often have a pre-existing condition that prevents them from getting a vaccination. They rely on the rest of society to prevent the spread of flu.”

“Vaccinations are the most effective way to prevent a widespread flu epidemic,” County Judge Bert Cobb, M.D., said.

Schneider also noted that it is a myth that getting a flu vaccination can cause the flu since a dead strain of the virus is used. He reminded everyone to wash their hands thoroughly and frequently, cover their coughs with their sleeve, and to stay home if they feel sick.

]]>http://www.co.hays.tx.us/court-proclaims-influenza-vaccination-week-urges-residents-to-protect-themselves-loved-ones.aspx
http://www.co.hays.tx.us/court-proclaims-influenza-vaccination-week-urges-residents-to-protect-themselves-loved-ones.aspxhttp://www.co.hays.tx.us/court-proclaims-influenza-vaccination-week-urges-residents-to-protect-themselves-loved-ones.aspxWed, 07 Dec 2016 14:31:00 GMTHays County Burn Ban Off as of Dec. 6, 2016Hays County Burn Ban Rescinded as of December 6, 2016

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – The Hays County Commissioners Court today rescinded the burn ban for the unincorporated areas of Hays County.

Hays County Fire Marshal Clint Browning urged property owners to burn debris as soon as possible, as dry weather is expected to return soon. “Texas weather changes rapidly, so it is best to take advantage of wetter weather when you can,” he said. “Once the current wet ground and vegetation have dried out, there will be a lot of dried vegetation that can quickly fuel a fire.” Browning reminded property owners to ensure a responsible adult is on the scene of the fire at all times and to have a water source nearby.

As a courtesy, property owners are asked to let their neighbors know when they are burning outside, and if local fire departments have requested to be notified to do so. There is no need to contact the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center when you plan to burn.

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – Contractors for Hays County will begin removing debris from the Blanco River that was left behind by the 2015 Memorial Weekend flood.

“A considerable amount of debris – ranging from building materials to vehicles – was deposited in the river,” Clint Garza, Director of Development and Community Services for Hays County and project manager for the removal program, said. “We’ve partnered with the Guadalupe Blanco River Authority (GBRA) to use emergency watershed protection funds to remove what shouldn’t naturally be there. The entire length of the river, from county line to county line, was impacted.”

“This is a major partnership piece of our plan for long-term recovery from the devastating flood,” Precinct 3 Commissioner Will Conley said. “We look forward to doing everything we can to continue to protect our river and improve life for our Hays County citizens affected by the 2015 Memorial Weekend and All Saints floods and storms.”

Most of the debris removal is expected to be handled from the banks, but there may be occasions when equipment has to physically be placed in the water. The debris removal is expected to take about 90 days.

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – The Hays County Courthouse lighting will take place at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, November 26, in conjunction with downtown San Marcos “Shop Small” festivities that will feature unique, small business offerings for holiday giving.

Downtown San Marcos will serve as the hub for Shop Small activities from Noon to 5 p.m. Included in the day’s festivities will be free pictures with Santa, free giftwrapping for small business purchases made that day, giveaways, contests and more at the Hays County Historic Courthouse on the Square.

Shoppers are invited to continue the festivities with a Downtown Lighting Celebration from 3 to 6 p.m. In addition to the Shop Small activities, downtown San Marcos will offer free pedicab rides, downtown businesses will offer free wine and specials for shoppers and Café Monet hosts an opportunity for a Kid’s Day Out craft project while parents shop. The official lighting ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. on the County Courthouse steps and will include music and presentations by officials from the City of San Marcos and Hays County. Brown Santa will be there too, so if you can, bring an unwrapped toy or monetary donation for the Hays County Sheriff’s Office program that brings a happy holiday to those less fortunate.

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – Hays County offices will be closed Wednesday, November 23 through Friday, November 25 for the Thanksgiving holidays. This also includes the City of San Marcos Municipal Court located at the Government Center in San Marcos. Offices will open at their regular times on Monday, November 28.

Commissioners Court will not be held on Tuesday, November 29.

The County Clerk’s Offices will be closed Wednesday, November 30, from 8 a.m. to Noon for staff training. Normal hours for both the San Marcos and Kyle locations are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but on Wednesdays the San Marcos location at the Government Center is open until 6 p.m.

]]>http://www.co.hays.tx.us/hays-county-thanksgiving-closures.aspx
laureen.chernow@co.hays.tx.us (Laureen Chernow)http://www.co.hays.tx.us/hays-county-thanksgiving-closures.aspxhttp://www.co.hays.tx.us/hays-county-thanksgiving-closures.aspxFri, 18 Nov 2016 20:20:00 GMTHays County to hold Public Hearing for Comments on Distribution of Disaster Recovery Block Grant FundsHays County to hold Public Hearing for Comments on Distribution of Disaster Recovery Block Grant Funds

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – Hays County will hold a public hearing to hear comments from residents about the distribution of approximately $7.4 million in Community Development Block Grants designated to help the area recover from the storms and floods that occurred in May and October 2015. The funds are intended to support programs and projects that address an identified priority need and that primarily benefit low-to-moderate-income persons affected by 2015 flooding in the unincorporated areas of Hays County and the cities of Buda, Dripping Springs, Kyle, Uhland and Wimberley.

The hearing will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 6, during the regular meeting of the Hays County Commissioners Court at 111. E. San Antonio Street (Courthouse on the Square), Suite 301, San Marcos, TX 78666.

“The proposed Method of Distribution is posted on the County website at www.co.hays.tx.us, and is also available for review in the Grants Administration Office and each County Commissioner Precinct Office,” Jeff Hauff, Grants Administrator for Hays County, said. “In addition, we’ll be accepting comments until 5 p.m. Wednesday, December 7 by email (Jeff.Hauff@co.hays.tx.us) and by regular mail sent to Grants Administration Office, 712 S. Stagecoach Trail, Suite 1204, San Marcos, TX 78666.”

The grant funds are made available by the Texas General Land Office (GLO) through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Each government entity will manage its own fund allocation directly with the GLO.

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – On November 16 Hays County officials celebrated the last of nine 2008 voter-approved pass-through road bond projects with a ribbon-cutting for the FM 1626 North (from FM 967 to Brodie Lane) improvements and the start of construction on FM 1626 South (FM 967 to FM 2770). The improvements for the south portion of the project will be similar to those to the north – a five-lane highway with a continuous center turn lane that will help safety and mobility along the heavily traveled road.

Citing the need for vision and planning to accommodate growth in the area, Precinct 2 Commissioner Mark Jones thanked Hays County taxpayers for recognizing the need to improve infrastructure by voting for both the 2008 and the 2016 road bond packages.

“I think our citizens recognize the efficient way the projects have been managed by the teams we’ve put together,” he said. “These projects have come in on time and under budget. The pass-through program was a great benefit to our county as a whole. TxDOT agreed to pay back $133 million for the projects and currently $87 million of them are completed with $112 million still to be paid back by TxDOT.” He also noted that although voters in 2008 were told to expect a five-cent raise in the tax rate, the current tax rate is the same as it was then.

His words were echoed by County Judge Bert Cobb, M.D. and TxDOT District Engineer Terry McCoy.

The crowd was treated to a performance of “God Bless America” by the Elm Grove Elementary America Singers. The 800-plus students at the school are among those who will benefit from the improved roadway.

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – First responders crowded the athletic field parking lot at Lehman High School in Kyle November 2 to practice emergency distribution of medication that would be necessary in a public health emergency or chemical attack.

Participating agencies and volunteers practiced triaging the drive-through volunteers to determine whether they needed to be sent on to a hospital or given medication (in this case, a packet of candy) and logged the results as each citizen went through various check points.

“We appreciate Hays CISD and Lehman High School allowing us to hold this drill in their parking lot,” Kharley Smith, County Emergency Management Coordinator, said. “This exercise is a critical step in ensuring we can distribute medications to people should there be a countywide outbreak of a disease or chemical attack.” The scenario is known as a Point of Distribution (POD) exercise and could be used to put medication, water, food, or other necessary supplies into the public’s hands quickly and efficiently while assessing citizen health needs.

Hays County Emergency Management staff members were joined by the County’s Local Health Department and first responders from Kyle, San Marcos and Wimberley, Hays County Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), Texas State University Emergency Management, Hays CISD staff, the Department of State Health Services, Texas State University Medical Explorers and numerous local business partners.

Photo Below:

Elsira De Leon, Amelia Flores, Josie Gonzales and Wilma Lewter, NCMA, of the County’s Local Health Department, review the health assessment of a volunteer participant at a Point of Distribution drill at the Lehman Athletic Field parking lot. The exercise tests the ability to distribute medicine, water, food or other needed supplies in the event of a health-related emergency.

]]>http://www.co.hays.tx.us/area-emergency-management-first-responders-hold-distribution-exercise.aspx
http://www.co.hays.tx.us/area-emergency-management-first-responders-hold-distribution-exercise.aspxhttp://www.co.hays.tx.us/area-emergency-management-first-responders-hold-distribution-exercise.aspxTue, 08 Nov 2016 20:43:00 GMTTwo Commissioners Receive Awards for Dedication to Building SH SW45Two Hays County Commissioners Receive Awards for Dedication to Building State Highway 45 Southwest; Construction Set to begin November 8

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – Two Hays County officials received awards and others in Hays and Travis counties were publicly thanked at a construction kick-off event that highlighted the perseverance and dedication it has taken to ensure State Highway 45 Southwest is built. Construction is planned to begin November 8.

Precinct 2 Commissioner Mark Jones and Precinct 3 Commissioner Will Conley were presented with plaques at the family-friendly celebration Sunday in Manchaca sponsored by the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, and signs at the entrance to the event thanked them as well as County Judge Bert Cobb, M.D., for their support. Hays County has pledged a $5 million contribution toward road construction costs of approximately $80 million.

First approved by Travis County voters in 1997 but delayed by opposition from environmentalists, the roadway will relieve traffic congestion along Brodie and Slaughter Lanes in Austin while allowing travelers to and from FM 1626 in Hays County direct access to Loop 1 (MoPac) in southwest Austin. New environmental design and engineering features will make runoff along the road cleaner than what naturally occurs now, according to design engineers.

Travis County Precinct 3 Commissioner Gerald Daugherty, who has also championed the road, thanked the public, especially those who live along and near Brodie Lane, for their support of the project.

Much of the roadway will run through Austin water quality protection land which precludes any development along what will now be built as a 4-lane toll road, since road construction funding at the state level has dwindled since the road was first approved. There will also be an ADA-compliant shared-use path alongside the road that will become part of the future Violet Crown Trail. For more information, visit www.sh45sw.com.

Precinct 3 Commissioner Will Conley (left) and Precinct 2 Commissioner Mark Jones received plaques thanking them for their and Hays County’s support of State Highway 45 Southwest and for their “tireless efforts to improve mobility and safety for our community.” The clocks on plaques reflect the “long hard road” taken to get to the SH 45SW construction point as well as the “time to build” official Sunday kick-off.

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agents Jason Mangold and Kate Blankenship proudly introduced two of the county’s three Gold Star 4-H recipients to the Hays County Commissioners Court October 18, noting that Gold Star is the highest award given by the 4-H organization.

To be awarded a Gold Star requires a rigorous schedule of maintaining academic grades while participating in programs as well as community events. In fact, the third recipient, Avery Herron, an eight-year member of the Dripping Springs 4-H Club, was busy taking a college class (while still in high school) and couldn’t attend.

West San Marcos 4-H Club member Kendyl Gordon and Cassandra Twinning of the Dripping Springs 4-H Club addressed the Court, each noting how participating in the many programs that 4-H offers has helped them in life.

“4-H has been a huge part of my life,” Gordon said, listing the numerous activities she’s been involved in over the years, from livestock raising and showing to baking and photography. “If I didn’t have 4-H, I wouldn’t be where I am now,” the eight-year 4-H participant said.

“I encourage every kid to get involved,” Twinning said. “There’s so much you can learn, not just in 4-H but in life.” Among the many programs she’s been involved in during her 10 years with 4-H are public speaking and horsemanship.

Following a round of applause from the audience and Court, County Judge Bert Cobb, M.D., noted that one of the Hs in 4-H stands for Hands (service), and encouraged all 4-H participants to give back to 4-H by training others after they leave the program.

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – On October 19 Hays County joined the cities of Kyle and San Marcos to help TxDOT officially open the Yarrington Road bridge over I-35.

The very-much-improved bridge now has six travel lanes and sidewalks as well as U-turn bridges in both directions. Along with the bridge improvements, segments of the access roads are widened and realigned and are one-way, improving mobility and safety for drivers as well as pedestrians.

Precinct 2 Commissioner Mark Jones and Precinct 4 Commissioner Ray Whisenant thanked TxDOT, the cities, partners and contractors for their assistance with this $12.2 million project, part of the voter-approved 2008 pass-through bond program. TxDOT District Engineer Terry McCoy, P.E., also thanked all involved in this state-county partnership, noting that without that successful program Yarrington Bridge and many other improvement projects would not happen.

For more information about the 2008 road bond projects, visit www.co.hays.tx.us and choose the Transportation Projects link.

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – Longtime Wimberley residents Bill and MF Johnson were honored by the Hays County Commissioners Court on Tuesday when the Court proclaimed October 21, 2016, as Bill & MF Johnson Day.

Bill Johnson was commended for his service to our country during World War II – he participated in the Marine Corps battalion assault on Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima – and MF Johnson was lauded for being a role model and visionary for women. The couple received accolades for their community service, which included among many other projects spearheading the development of the Wimberley Community Center in 1998.

Photo Below:

The Hays County Commissioners Court proclaimed October 21, 2016, as Bill and MF Johnson Day in Hays County for the couple’s service to country and community. Court attendees gave the couple a hearty round of applause and a standing ovation for their good works and selflessness. Left to right are County Judge Bert Cobb, M.D., Precinct 2 Commissioner Mark Jones, Precinct 1 Commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe, Bill Johnson, MF Johnson, Precinct 3 Commissioner Will Conley, Scott Johnson, Lynn Johnson and Precinct 4 Commissioner Ray Whisenant.

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – To honor the 20th anniversary of Nosotros la Gente (We the People) nonprofit, Hays County Commissioners Court proclaimed the week of October 17-21 as Nosotros la Gente Week in Hays County.

Begun by former Hays County Commissioner Ralph Gonzales (father of current Precinct 1 Commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe), the nonprofit raises funds to buy shoes for San Marcos CISD school children who might otherwise go without. Nosotros la Gente also contributes funds to defray medical expenses of those in need.

Mr. Gonzales told the Court how he came to start the organization after losing a brother in the Viet Nam War and then visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. There, he found books in English and Spanish that sparked the idea of how to honor his brother and help the community.

“My wife used to work at SMCISD, and I can tell you, those children are very proud to have a new pair of shoes,” Hays County Judge Bert Cobb, M.D., said.

The group – composed of 400 Nosotros la Gente members – works with volunteers, individuals and businesses to raise funds. To date, the “Viva Zapatos” shoe distribution has reached 20,000 needy children in SMCISD.

The Court thanked Nosotros la Gente for its work and all those who volunteer and donate to the group, and encouraged everyone to take part in the annual November turkey dinner that is the group’s main fundraiser. “I really appreciate everyone in this organization who puts in so much time and effort,” Commissioner Ingalsbe said, noting she is very proud of her father.

]]>http://www.co.hays.tx.us/hays-county-celebrates-local-nonprofit-october-17-21-is-nosotros-la-gente-week.aspx
http://www.co.hays.tx.us/hays-county-celebrates-local-nonprofit-october-17-21-is-nosotros-la-gente-week.aspxhttp://www.co.hays.tx.us/hays-county-celebrates-local-nonprofit-october-17-21-is-nosotros-la-gente-week.aspxWed, 02 Nov 2016 13:17:00 GMTCounty Clerk's Office in Kyle Closed October 24, San Marcos Location Open; All Other Pct 2 Offices are Open and Early Voting is Being Held at Pct 2County Clerk’s Office in Kyle Closed October 24 for Training

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – The Hays County Clerk’s Office at the Kyle Precinct 2 building will be closed Monday, October 24, for training. The Clerk’s Office at the Government Center in San Marcos, 712 S. Stagecoach Trail, will be open. All other Precinct 2 Offices are open on October 24 and early voting is being held there.

]]>http://www.co.hays.tx.us/county-clerks-office-in-kyle-closed-october-24-san-marcos-location-open-all-other-pct-2-offices-are-open-and-early-voting-is-being-held-at-pct-2.aspx
laureen.chernow@co.hays.tx.us (Laureen Chernow)http://www.co.hays.tx.us/county-clerks-office-in-kyle-closed-october-24-san-marcos-location-open-all-other-pct-2-offices-are-open-and-early-voting-is-being-held-at-pct-2.aspxhttp://www.co.hays.tx.us/county-clerks-office-in-kyle-closed-october-24-san-marcos-location-open-all-other-pct-2-offices-are-open-and-early-voting-is-being-held-at-pct-2.aspxThu, 20 Oct 2016 22:16:00 GMTWhat To Do If You Mailed Back a Ballot-by-Mail and It Was Returned to YouWas Your Hays County Ballot-by-Mail Returned to You? Here’s What’s Happening and How to complete your Vote

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – The Hays County Elections Office has been advised that some completed and mailed ballots-by-mail have been returned to voters due to what is believed to be a processing issue at post offices in some areas of the County. The office has received approximately 100 calls or visits from voters who have had their ballots returned to them by mistake.

On the back of the yellow envelope that contains the completed ballot-by-mail is a white label that contains the voter’s name, address and a bar code used to verify the ballot. In some instances, post office equipment appears to be reading the address on the white label on the back of the envelope instead of the Elections Office address printed on the front of the envelope.

“Any voter-by-mail who has not yet returned their ballot to the Elections Office or who receives one returned by the post office is asked to cross out the address only on that white label (name and bar code should remain visible) so that mail equipment can see only the address on the front of the envelope,” Hays County Elections Administrator Joyce Cowan said. “Post offices are looking into the issue, and in the meantime, now that we know of this problem, our staff is crossing out the address proactively on that label before mailing a ballot package to voters. Some post offices are also gathering and sending ballots directly to us when they see this happening.” Cowan noted that she has also filed a complaint with USPS headquarters and is working with them as they investigate the problem.

Cowan noted that as of October 19 the Elections Office has mailed out 4,571 ballots-by-mail and received 1,863 completed ones. “I’m told this problem is appearing in other areas of the state, and rather randomly, so it is hard to figure out a reason,” she said. “Not all return ballots are sent back from any particular post office that we know of. This is the same envelope and label required by state law that we’ve used for years.” She also pointed out that since the envelope is canceled on the back of the envelope, the postage stamp that the voter originally placed on the envelope can be reused when mailed again.

Applications for ballots-by-mail must arrive in the Elections Office by October 28 and completed ballots must arrive at the Elections Office by November 8. For more information about voting and ballot-by-mail requirements, visit http://www.co.hays.tx.us/elections.aspx.

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – The Hays County Commissioners Court proclaimed October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month at its October 4 meeting and encouraged women to get regular mammograms so that cancer can be caught early.

According to the proclamation, “breast cancer knows no boundaries – be it age, gender, socio-economic status or geographic location – and the most common risk factors for breast cancer are being female and growing older … breast cancer affects more than just the patient – co-survivors who include friends, family and co-workers need support too.”

County Judge Bert Cobb, M.D., noted that men get breast cancer and should be aware of any lumps near their breasts.

He thanked CTMC and its partners for forming the Think Pink Committee that raises funds to provide early detection, screening, awareness and treatment. Members include Central Texas Medical Center Foundation, Tanger Outlet San Marcos, San Marcos Academy, Texas Oncology, Hill Country Board of Realtors, Tommy Bahama, Hays County Barbeque, Community Action and Pink Heals.

“Thank you all for the money, the time, the effort that you provide and thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do every day for the people of Hays County,” Cobb said.

“Any awareness we can bring to this issue is so important,” Precinct 1 Commission Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe said. “Women need to be aware of their need for self-checks and yearly checkups. It’s so important and the numbers are staggering.” She thanked the Hays County Local Health Department for its help in promoting awareness and checkups.

Precinct 4 Commissioner Ray Whisenant said that he felt the awareness programs were working. “I was at a 7th-grade football game this week and both teams were wearing pink in some manner to represent the fight against breast cancer.”

“On behalf of CTMC I want to thank the Court for highlighting the importance of this issue – the fight against breast cancer,” CTMC’s President and CEO Anthony Stahl, PhD, said. “I think we’ve all been affected by it. This year alone in the U.S. a quarter million women will be diagnosed. It’s a privilege for CTMC to partner with so many others here in this county … the battle is being won.”

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – The Hays County Commissioners Court proclaimed October 17, 2016, as Crime Stoppers, Inc., Awareness Day in Hays County, and thanked the organization for its work to prevent crime and bring criminals to justice.

The proclamation notes that Crime Stoppers has been active in Hays County for 35 years, and during that time has received 624 suspects arrested, 747 offenses cleared, $193,000 in stolen property recovered and $12.5 million in narcotics seized. Tipsters have received awards of $69,000.

Crime Stoppers’ Executive Director Don Arledge thanked the Commissioners Court, law enforcement and citizens for making the program a success.